Shades of glory
Brendan’s joy as Broonie and Co are too bright for Gers
BRENDAN RODGERS savoured his sweetest Old Firm success as Scott Browninspired Celtic left Rangers in the shade.
The Celtic gaffer hailed the 10-man Hoops for twice coming from behind to make it nine in a row unbeaten in the derby showdown – and fire them
nine points clear at the top of the Premiership.
Rodgers, who has become the first Celtic boss to win four games on the spin at Ibrox since club legend Willie Maley, said: “Is this the most satisfying? Definitely.
“The odds are against you at times. This was the kind of Celtic and Rangers game I watched when I was growing up – games with lots of drama.
“We made a mistake early on to go behind. We were behind twice.
“It gives you great pride in the team, a performance like that. We played well but showed that toughness and character you need.
“In fairness to Rangers they have been in good form. They came into this game at the height of their confidence levels.
“For us to then win the game – and win it with 10 men – was an immense performance.
“There was a lot of noise coming into the game but the boys kept their humility and had to twice come from behind in the game. They then came up with a brilliant win.” Rodgers insisted the league is not in the bag just yet despite the
wild celebrations on the pitch at the end.
He said: “Is it over? No, not by a long way.
“It was obviously a big step for us though, to go nine points clear with a game in hand.
“There is still a lot of work for us to do. When you come to one of your rivals and are up against it with 10 men for 30 minutes then you’re entitled to celebrate.”
Rodgers insisted he had no complaints with Jozo Simunovic red card for elbowing Alfredo Morelos – but he was bold in throwing on matchwinner Odsonne Edouard when down to 10.
He said: “Normally defenders go with a straight arm. Jozo’s arm was slightly bent then his elbow catches him. I can see why it’s given. It’s unfortunate for Jozo.
“It put us under a little bit of pressure but we coped with that well.
“You can either work two ways when you lose a man. You can go more defensive, sit and wait for the game and see what happens. But I always feel if you put on an extra attacker, reshuffle the balance in your team, the other team look to force more players forward into the game.
“You could see Rangers ran out of ideas a little bit. Both full-backs were gone. You put your two strikers on and that gives you two v two on half a pitch. I will fancy Odsonne and Moussa Dembele when it’s two v two on half a pitch against most centre
backs.”